A while ago, I wrote an entry on the unused gift cards that I had apparently been saving for a rainy day that never seemed to come.

Since then I’ve made some progress in spending them, but I’ve also received more cards to add to the mix (I’m not the only one who turns to them when it comes time to give gifts). I hate it when you forget you have a gift card and pay for something you could have gotten for “free”. This happens regularly to me, despite keeping the gift cards in my wallet.

One group of cards that I’m having trouble spending in particular is the gift cards for the book store, which is surprising given my love of books and reading. The problem is I am a library nut, and love that I can borrow books, dvds and cds without cost. This is handy when I want books on a new interest (home decorating, handmade cards) that is bound to be a passing one. If I bought a book every time a new interest popped into my life, I’d be in severe debt.

Some of the gift cards have an upcoming deadline so my game plan is to look into non-fiction reference-type books that I’ll enjoy reading over and over again, perhaps a book on Nigeria, or photography or a general crafting book.

Speaking of free money, it’s that time again: I’ve accumulated 75,000 Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Points! This is a time of rejoicing because I get to go on a bit of a shopping spree to the tune of $150 at the store (I pay the taxes on the items). Of course because I’m as thrifty as they get, I’m waiting for the next bonus weekend where you get an extra $50. They had it this weekend but I was too busy to take advantage of it. And this time around it took me almost two years to collect enough points for this spree. They got rid of the credit card that allowed you to rack up points that much faster and I suffered as a result…if you consider curbing my credit card spending suffering.

Filed under: Money, Mundane by jummy